Presentation of the Security Council Index: Perspectives on the Conflict in Ukraine and the Security Council

At a time of international context marked by major tensions and a clear shift in the existing balance of global relations, GATE CENTER launches the Security Council Index—an analytical tool that provides greater clarity on the behavior of states in various UN voting processes.

This first edition of the Index, launched on May 20, focuses on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, exploring power dynamics, the use of veto power, and the positioning of key actors such as the BRICS and the Global South in the face of one of the most profound crises in the contemporary international system.

During the launch event, we were joined by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, President of GATE CENTER’s Advisory Council, and Diego Martínez Belío, Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs. The session was moderated by Sussan Gratius, our Academic Coordinator. Both speakers shared key insights on the role of the Security Council, the current balance of power, and the urgent need to reform multilateral institutions.

Martínez Belío emphasized the importance of moving toward greater representativeness, provided it does not come at the cost of the Council’s effectiveness. Zapatero, for his part, highlighted the need to strengthen the role of the United Nations as a space for dialogue and peaceful coexistence in this new global landscape.

The Index was presented by its creators, Paula Ballesteros and Matías Mongán, researchers at GATE CENTER, who explained the logic behind this tool and its potential for applied analysis in diplomacy, international relations, and strategic decision-making.

The event culminated with a panel discussion entitled “Perspectives on the Conflict in Ukraine and the Security Council,” also moderated by Susanne Gratius. Participants included Luis Fonseca Sánchez, Director General for North America, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EU, and Cooperation; Sofía Cánovas Pereda, Senior Advisor to the UN Secretary-General in Ukraine; Carlos Fernández Liesa, Professor of Public International Law at the Carlos III University of Madrid; Lorena Ruano, Professor of International Relations at the same university; and Ignacio Molina, Senior Research Fellow at the Elcano Royal Institute. The discussion offered an in-depth and multidisciplinary overview of the geopolitical implications of the conflict and the role of the Security Council in the current scenario.

This launch is part of GATE CENTER’s commitment to a more just, transparent, and effective global governance—grounded in evidence, rigorous analysis, and open debate. We invite you to watch the full recording to gain the full benefit of the speakers’ valuable reflections.